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Himalayan balsam has become an invasive non-native species (INNS) in the UK and is most commonly found on riverbanks, waste ground, and damp areas, and can also thrive in many other habitats. Himalayan balsam tolerates low light levels and smothers other vegetation as it out-competes native plants, gradually impoverishing habitats.

Legislation regarding INNS is covered by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 listed on Schedule 9 subject to Section 14. It is an offence to plant or cause species listed in Schedule 9 to grow/escape in the wild. The responsibility for controlling INNS is with the landowner.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA) does not have a statutory duty to control INNS in the National Park. Its involvement in the control of INNS relates to its capacity as a landowner and its maintenance of public rights of way. Please note, the National Park Authority owns only 2% of the land area of the National Park.

Rhododendron ponticum is an evergreen, ornamental plant introduced to the UK by the Victorians in the late 18th Century. It became especially popular on country estates, providing ornamental value as well as cover for game birds. It is native through Asia into China, and also occurs in Spain, Portugal and Turkey.